Volunteer Spotlight: Erin Crossley

Erin is a junior at the University of Maryland and has been a part of SWB Baltimore as a volunteer with the Vanguard Middle School since 2019.

When did you first start volunteering for SWB and how did you learn about the program?

I started working with SWB in 2019 after my freshman year of college. I had no clue what to do during the summer, so I happened to Google "soccer internships," exchanged a few emails and phone calls … and the rest was history!

What has surprised you most about working with SWB?

I'm constantly surprised by how welcoming the SWB community is — there's never any hesitation to inclusion. I love seeing kids welcome new participants and coaches with open arms … and a million questions!

What’s a favorite memory of your time as a volunteer with SWB?

One of my favorite, and earliest, SWB memories was when an all-girls team beat a boys team in a scrimmage during our summer program. I remember doing a pregame huddle with the girls and they were so fired up to finally get their shot at scrimmaging the boys. They didn't let anything hold them back, it was awesome. Coaching those girls for the 15 or 20 minutes that day still sticks out in my memory.

What’s the best part about being a SWB volunteer?

The best part is definitely watching the participants grow and learn. I love seeing how much confidence they gain both on and off the soccer field. My favorite part of practice is the beginning when we all start passing to warm up and I get to hear about everyone's day.

What do you do when you aren’t volunteering?

I'm currently a junior kinesiology major at the University of Maryland. Outside of school I love to run, play music, and attempt to become a better cook (it's a work in progress!)

Anything else you’d like to add about SWB or yourself?

Shoutout to all the other coaches and volunteers at SWB! You guys are the best!